Stem Cell Training
Sue and Bill Gross Stem Cell Research Center UCI-Human Embryonic Stem Cell Training Course
The UCI-Human Embryonic Stem Cell Training Course is offered quarterly . The hands-on laboratory portion of the course introduces investigators to techniques used to culture, differentiate, and genetically manipulate hES cells. The lecture portion of the course includes overviews of human embryonic development, derivation and differentiation of hES cells, and techniques for the genetic manipulation of hES cells. This course is held in the Sue and Bill Gross Stem Cell Research Center. It is open to students, staff and faculty. Space is very limited. To apply, please contact the hES Cell Training Course Coordinator, Leslie Lock, Ph.D. at stemcell@uci.edu.
Stem Cell Training Grant
In September 2005, the Independent Citizens Oversight Committee awarded the first grants of the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine. These awardswill create the CIRM Training Program in Stem Cell Research. The Sue and Bill Gross SCRC was awarded one of the sixteen awards.
The training program in stem cell biology at UCI will support eight pre-doctoral and four post-doctoral scholars. Pre-doctoral Scholars will enter the program at the end of their first year in the Molecular Biology, Genetics and Biochemistry (MBGB) graduate program, the Interdepartmental Neurosciences Program (INP) or other relevant PhD program at UC Irvine. CIRM pre- and postdoctoral Scholars will participate in research training in the labs of faculty stem cell mentors. Scholars will participate during their first year of support, in a year-long sequence of three new courses: Basic Biology of Stem Cells; Clinical Applications of Stem Cells; and Social, Legal and Ethical Implications of Stem Cell Research.
Trainees will also be provided with access to a specialized laboratory course entitled Human Embryonic Stem Cell Culture Training Course, a dedicated workshop on Large-Animal Models for Stem Cell Research, and seminars and symposia focused on stem cell biology and clinical application.
A research training environment will be provided for Scholars in many areas of stem cell biology including the Basic Biology of Stem Cells, Developing Tools for Stem Cell Research, Genetics of Cortical Stem Cells, CNS Injury and Stroke, Neurodegenerative Disease, Tissue Engineering, Diabetes, the Role of Stem Cells in Cancer, Stem Cell Therapy for Ocular Disease, and Stem Cell-Based Screens to Identify Novel Drugs targeting cell proliferation, differentiation, and death. By formalizing, expanding and integrating stem cell training at Irvine, we will contribute to the acceleration of stem cell research in the state and to increase the number of scientists and clinicians participating in stem cell research and its application to treatments.
This program will benefit the people and state of California by providing high-quality training in the scientific, clinical, social, and ethical aspects of stem cell research to the scientists and clinicians who will develop and apply future therapies in this rapidly emerging field.